Engineering
services sought for bridge work

A nod from the Missouri Department of Transportation
gives Platte County commissioners the right to proceed
with a request for proposals of engineering services for
the Humphrey's Access Bridge.

"The county has been authorized by the Missouri
Department of Transportation to proceed with the selection
of a consultant for the bridge," stated Doug Noble,
public affairs coordinator for the county commission.

The bridge, located southwest of Platte City on the Platte
River on Humphrey's Road, has been closed since 1991.
The replacement of the bridge is estimated to cost $850,000
over three years.

Funding of the bridge is 80/20, with 80 percent of the
funds from the federal government and 20 percent of the
funding coming from local bridge credits.

According to Noble, bridge credits are obtained by the
county when the county does work on the bridges themselves,
which in turn earns them bridge credits from the federal
government. The credits are issued ensuring that those
bridges meet federal standards. Noble stated the county
then receives $.80 on every $1.

In the public affairs presentation to the commission
by Noble, he announced plans to develop a curriculum program
in recognition of county government day.

Since 1996, Platte County has hosted county government
day where several hundred area fourth grade students visit
the county offices and learn about county government.

"Before we used to break into eight groups of 30
kids. This became so many kids, we unfortunately had to
start turning kids away because there wasn't enough space
by bringing the kids to our offices," explained Noble.

"Now we're trying to develop a program that can
be taught in schools instead of having the students come
here."

The county is seeking proposals from area teachers who
would like to assist in developing the curriculum program.
The county has made a grant of no more than $2,000 available
for program development. The proposals are due back to
the county by April 30.

"Students need to understand the local government
system so when the time comes, they will be able to effectively
utilize all the service that Platte County offers,"
said 2nd District Commissioner Steve Wegner.

Commissioners also approved post completion certification
reports for land and water conservation fund projects
at Barry-Platte Park.

Noble stated that in 1980 and 1983, the county received
grants from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources
under the land and water conservation fund program. Those
grants were then used by the county for improvements to
Barry-Platte Park. The approval of the reports was a formality
associated with the grants.

Bill Bing was appointed to a three-year term to serve
as Platte County representative with the Board of Services
for the Developmentally Disabled.

A request for bids for a Ford special utility vehicle
by the Platte County Sheriff's Department was also approved
by the commission. The bids will be due by 1:30 p.m.,
Thursday, April 25.